Les Bouquinistes (book stalls along the Seine), Paris

I always find time to visit the book stalls lining the Left Bank of the Seine River. There always seems to be items if interest, from funny names on books, to historical maps. They have been there a long time, but I don't know how much business they really do.

We were strolling along the seine next to the Pont Neuf when we came across the bouquinistes selling old and collectable books. Started chatting to the booksellers who showed us some very beautiful leather bound antique books with exquisite engravings. I had never thought about buying an antique book as a souvenir but needed little persuasion as these books were truely works of art. I ended up buying 3 and back home they are a constant talking point an reminder of our trip. They take pride of place on a little coffee table in our lobby and bring back memories of the fabulous summer we had in Paris.

Along the quais of the Seine you can find the stalls of the 'les bouquinistes'. These booksellers sell all kind of old books, but also old drawings and prints. If you like to take your time to search for old books, it's nice to walk along the stalls and look around.

Allready for centuries the bouquinistes sell their books along the Seine. In the evening they had to bring their boxes with books back home. Since the beginning of the 20th century they are allowed to leave their stalls to leave behind at the quais.

These stalls along the Seine are cute and make part of the atmosphere.
They sell books, but also a lot of souvenirs and rubbish such as magnets, eiffeltower key rings, pictures of Marilyn Monroe etc.

Bookseller's Stalls

Along the scene, near Notre-Dame you can see its. They sell some old books, newspapers...